U.S. patent application number 17/230710 was filed with the patent office on 2021-09-02 for bracket for reversibly mounting an excavator bucket on an articulated arm.
The applicant listed for this patent is GROUPE R.Y. BEAUDOIN INC.. Invention is credited to Remi BEAUDOIN, Luc D'AMOURS, Alain RIVARD.
Application Number | 20210270007 17/230710 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005563574 |
Filed Date | 2021-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210270007 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
D'AMOURS; Luc ; et
al. |
September 2, 2021 |
BRACKET FOR REVERSIBLY MOUNTING AN EXCAVATOR BUCKET ON AN
ARTICULATED ARM
Abstract
There is described a bracket for mounting an excavation bucket
on a coupler of an articulated arm. The bracket comprises a body
extending in a plane and having a central portion. This bracket
allows reversible mounting of the coupler of the excavation bucket
by providing two pairs of adjacent concavities at a front and at a
rear portion of the body which can alternately hold a corresponding
pair of hinge shafts of a coupler in either orientation. Abutments
at the front and at the rear are provided to further retain the
coupler in the mounting bracket in either configuration. A bottom
of the mounting bracket comprises notches that fit with
corresponding portions of the bucket for improved securing of the
bucket assembly on the mounting bracket.
Inventors: |
D'AMOURS; Luc;
(Victoriaville, CA) ; RIVARD; Alain;
(Victoriaville, CA) ; BEAUDOIN; Remi;
(Victoriaville, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GROUPE R.Y. BEAUDOIN INC. |
Victoriaville |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005563574 |
Appl. No.: |
17/230710 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16153006 |
Oct 5, 2018 |
|
|
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17230710 |
|
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|
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62568868 |
Oct 6, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 3/40 20130101; E02F
3/3631 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02F 3/36 20060101
E02F003/36; E02F 3/40 20060101 E02F003/40 |
Claims
1. A bracket for reversibly mounting an excavation bucket on a
coupler of an articulated arm, the bracket comprising: a body
extending in a plane and having a centroid; a first rear concavity
and a second rear concavity which are adjacent on the body by a
rear portion thereof, the first rear concavity more rearwardly
located and oriented frontwardly and the second rear concavity
closer to the centroid of the body and oriented upwardly; a first
front concavity and a second front concavity which are adjacent on
the body by a front portion thereof, the first rear concavity
closer to the centroid of the body and oriented upwardly and the
second rear concavity more frontwardly located and oriented
reawardly; wherein the first rear concavity and the second front
concavity are for alternately receiving one of the hinge shaft or
stopper thereof of the coupler; wherein the second rear concavity
and the first front concavity are for alternately receiving another
one of the hinge shaft or stopper thereof of the coupler, thus
allowing reversible mounting on the coupler.
2. The bracket of claim 1, further comprising: a first abutment
formed at a rear portion of the body for receiving a blocking bar
of the coupler in the first one of two reversible configurations;
and a second abutment formed at a front portion of the body for
receiving a blocking bar of the coupler in the second one of two
reversible configurations.
3. The bracket of claim 1, further comprising a notch at a bottom
of the mounting bracket for conforming to a corresponding portion
of a bucket assembled with the coupler.
4. The bracket of claim 3, wherein the notch is formed at a bottom
of a downward arm, a base thereof located by the second abutment
formed at a front portion of the body.
5. The bracket of claim 4, wherein the second front concavity is
formed by a front arm extending upwardly at the front portion of
the body, a base of said front arm comprising the second
abutment.
6. The bracket of claim 5, wherein the first abutment formed at the
rear portion of the body notch is formed at an upper edge of a rear
concavity, a bottom thereof forming a spur which is for conforming
to a corresponding portion of a bucket assembled with the
coupler.
7. The bracket of claim 6, wherein the first rear concavity is
formed by a rear arm extending upwardly at the rear portion of the
body, a base of said rear arm comprising the first abutment.
8. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the first rear concavity and the
second rear concavity have a same radius of curvature and
respectively form an arc-of-circle, both being in contact and
joined at a rear apex.
9. The bracket of claim 8, wherein the first front concavity and
the second front concavity have a same radius of curvature and
respectively form an arc-of-circle, both being in contact and
joined at a front apex.
10. A method for reversibly mounting an excavation bucket on a
coupler of an articulated arm, the method comprising: providing a
bracket comprising: a body extending in a plane and having a
centroid; a first rear concavity and a second rear concavity which
are adjacent on the body by a rear portion thereof, the first rear
concavity more rearwardly located and oriented frontwardly and the
second rear concavity closer to the centroid of the body and
oriented upwardly; a first front concavity and a second front
concavity which are adjacent on the body by a front portion
thereof, the first rear concavity closer to the centroid of the
body and oriented upwardly and the second rear concavity more
frontwardly located and oriented reawardly; in a first standard
configuration of the coupler: inserting a rear hinge shaft of the
coupler or a side stopper thereof in the second rear concavity;
inserting a front hinge shaft of the coupler or a side stopper
thereof in the second front concavity; reversibly mounting the
bracket and the coupler into a second reversed configuration by:
removing the bracket from the coupler inserting a rear hinge shaft
of the coupler or a side stopper thereof in the first front
concavity; and inserting a front hinge shaft of the coupler or a
side stopper thereof in the first rear concavity.
10. The method of claim 10, further comprising: in the first
standard configuration of the coupler: abutting a blocking bar of
the coupler on a rear abutment at a rear portion of the bracket;
and in reversibly mounting the bracket and the coupler into the
second reversed configuration: abutting the blocking bar of the
coupler on a front abutment at a rear portion of the bracket.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.
16/153,006, filed Oct. 5, 2018, which claims benefit of U.S. patent
application 62/568,868 filed Oct. 6, 2017, the specification of
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
(A) Field
[0002] The subject matter disclosed generally relates to
construction vehicle equipment. More specifically, it relates to a
bracket for an excavator bucket.
(b) Related Prior Art
[0003] Excavators are known for their articulated arm, extending
from the vehicle, at the end of which a bucket is mounted. The
bucket is normally mounted onto the articulated arm using a coupler
to which a link of the articulated arm is attachable.
[0004] The bucket is oriented at the end of the articulated arm to
perform various tasks, such as scraping material or transporting a
load. The bracket and coupler mounted together are used in a given
configuration which connects the bucket to the articulated arm in a
single orientation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure
will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken
in combination with the appended drawings, in which:
[0006] FIGS. 1A-1D are a perspective view, a top view, a front view
and a side view, respectively, illustrating an excavator bucket
including a mounting bracket, according to the prior art;
[0007] FIGS. 2A-2B are a perspective view and a side view,
respectively, illustrating a bracket for mounting an excavator
bucket on an articulated arm, according to the prior art;
[0008] FIGS. 3A-3D are a perspective view, a top view, a front view
and a side view, respectively, illustrating an excavator bucket
including a bracket cooperatively mounted on the coupler of the
articulated arm, according to the prior art;
[0009] FIGS. 4A-4C are a perspective view, a top view and a side
view, respectively, illustrating the coupler of the articulated
arm;
[0010] FIGS. 5A-5D are a perspective view, a top view, a front view
and a side view, respectively, illustrating an excavator bucket
including a mounting bracket, according to a first embodiment of
the invention;
[0011] FIGS. 6A-6B are a perspective view and a side view,
respectively, illustrating a bracket for mounting an excavator
bucket on an articulated arm, according to the prior art;
[0012] FIGS. 7A-7D are a perspective view, a top view, a front view
and a side view, respectively, illustrating an excavator bucket
including a mounting bracket cooperatively mounted on the coupler
of the articulated arm, according to an embodiment, in the same
orientation as in the prior art;
[0013] FIGS. 8A-8D are a perspective view, a top view, a front view
and a side view, respectively, illustrating an excavator bucket
including a mounting bracket cooperatively mounted on the coupler
of the articulated arm, according to a first embodiment of the
invention, in a reversed orientation compared to the prior art;
[0014] FIGS. 9A-9D are perspective views illustrating a mounting
bracket cooperatively mounted on the coupler of the articulated
arm, according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIGS. 9E-9F are a perspective view and a side view of the
mounting bracket of FIGS. 9A-9D;
[0016] FIGS. 10A-10D are perspective views illustrating a mounting
bracket cooperatively mounted on the coupler of the articulated
arm, according to a third embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIGS. 10E-10F are a perspective view and a side view of the
mounting bracket of FIGS. 9A-9D;
[0018] FIGS. 11A-11D are a perspective view, a top view, a front
view and a side view, respectively, illustrating an excavator
bucket including a mounting bracket, in the standard orientation,
according to a fourth embodiment;
[0019] FIGS. 12A-12D are a perspective view, a top view, a front
view and a side view, respectively, illustrating an excavator
bucket including a mounting bracket cooperatively mounted on the
coupler of the articulated arm, in the standard orientation,
according to a fourth embodiment;
[0020] FIGS. 13A-13B are a side and a perspective view illustrating
a mounting bracket, according to a fourth embodiment;
[0021] FIGS. 14A-14C are a perspective view, a top view and a side
view, respectively, illustrating a coupler of the articulated arm,
according to an embodiment;
[0022] FIGS. 15A-15C are a perspective view, a top view and a side
view, respectively, illustrating a mounting bracket cooperatively
mounted on the coupler of the articulated arm, in the standard
orientation, according to a fourth embodiment;
[0023] FIGS. 16A-16D are a perspective view, a top view, a front
view and a side view, respectively, illustrating an excavator
bucket including a mounting bracket, according to a fifth
embodiment;
[0024] FIGS. 17A-17D are a perspective view, a top view, a front
view and a side view, respectively, illustrating an excavator
bucket including a mounting bracket cooperatively mounted on the
coupler of the articulated arm, in the standard orientation,
according to a fifth embodiment;
[0025] FIGS. 18A-18D are a perspective view, a top view, a front
view and a side view, respectively, illustrating an excavator
bucket including a mounting bracket cooperatively mounted on the
coupler of the articulated arm, in the reverse orientation,
according to a fifth embodiment;
[0026] FIGS. 19A-19B are a side and a perspective view illustrating
a mounting bracket, according to a fifth embodiment;
[0027] FIGS. 20A-20C are a perspective view, a top view and a side
view, respectively, illustrating a mounting bracket cooperatively
mounted on the coupler of the articulated arm, in the standard
orientation, according to a fifth embodiment;
[0028] and
[0029] FIGS. 21A-21C are a perspective view, a top view and a side
view, respectively, illustrating a mounting bracket cooperatively
mounted on the coupler of the articulated arm, in the reverse
orientation, according to a fifth embodiment.
[0030] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like
features are identified by like reference numerals.
SUMMARY
[0031] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a
bracket for reversibly mounting an excavation bucket on a coupler
of an articulated arm, the bracket comprising: [0032] a body
extending in a plane and having a centroid; [0033] a first rear
concavity and a second rear concavity which are adjacent on the
body by a rear portion thereof, the first rear concavity more
rearwardly located and oriented frontwardly and the second rear
concavity closer to the centroid of the body and oriented upwardly;
[0034] a first front concavity and a second front concavity which
are adjacent on the body by a front portion thereof, the first rear
concavity closer to the centroid of the body and oriented upwardly
and the second rear concavity more frontwardly located and oriented
reawardly; [0035] wherein the first rear concavity and the second
front concavity are for alternately receiving one of the hinge
shaft or stopper thereof of the coupler; [0036] wherein the second
rear concavity and the first front concavity are for alternately
receiving another one of the hinge shaft or stopper thereof of the
coupler, thus allowing reversible mounting on the coupler.
[0037] According to an embodiment, there is further provided:
[0038] a first abutment formed at a rear portion of the body for
receiving a blocking bar of the coupler in the first one of two
reversible configurations; and [0039] a second abutment formed at a
front portion of the body for receiving a blocking bar of the
coupler in the second one of two reversible configurations.
[0040] According to an embodiment, there is further provided a
notch at a bottom of the mounting bracket for conforming to a
corresponding portion of a bucket assembled with the coupler.
[0041] According to an embodiment, the notch is formed at a bottom
of a downward arm, a base thereof located by the second abutment
formed at a front portion of the body.
[0042] According to an embodiment, the second front concavity is
formed by a front arm extending upwardly at the front portion of
the body, a base of said front arm comprising the second
abutment.
[0043] According to an embodiment, the first abutment formed at the
rear portion of the body notch is formed at an upper edge of a rear
concavity, a bottom thereof forming a spur which is for conforming
to a corresponding portion of a bucket assembled with the
coupler.
[0044] According to an embodiment, the first rear concavity is
formed by a rear arm extending upwardly at the rear portion of the
body, a base of said rear arm comprising the first abutment.
[0045] According to an embodiment, the first rear concavity and the
second rear concavity have a same radius of curvature and
respectively form an arc-of-circle, both being in contact and
joined at a rear apex.
[0046] According to an embodiment, the first front concavity and
the second front concavity have a same radius of curvature and
respectively form an arc-of-circle, both being in contact and
joined at a front apex.
[0047] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a
method for reversibly mounting an excavation bucket on a coupler of
an articulated arm, the method comprising: [0048] providing a
bracket comprising: [0049] a body extending in a plane and having a
centroid; [0050] a first rear concavity and a second rear concavity
which are adjacent on the body by a rear portion thereof, the first
rear concavity more rearwardly located and oriented frontwardly and
the second rear concavity closer to the centroid of the body and
oriented upwardly; [0051] a first front concavity and a second
front concavity which are adjacent on the body by a front portion
thereof, the first rear concavity closer to the centroid of the
body and oriented upwardly and the second rear concavity more
frontwardly located and oriented reawardly; [0052] in a first
standard configuration of the coupler: [0053] inserting a rear
hinge shaft of the coupler or a side stopper thereof in the second
rear concavity; [0054] inserting a front hinge shaft of the coupler
or a side stopper thereof in the second front concavity; [0055]
reversibly mounting the bracket and the coupler into a second
reversed configuration by: [0056] removing the bracket from the
coupler [0057] inserting a rear hinge shaft of the coupler or a
side stopper thereof in the first front concavity; and [0058]
inserting a front hinge shaft of the coupler or a side stopper
thereof in the first rear concavity.
[0059] According to an embodiment, there are further provided the
steps of: [0060] in the first standard configuration of the
coupler: [0061] abutting a blocking bar of the coupler on a rear
abutment at a rear portion of the bracket; [0062] and in reversibly
mounting the bracket and the coupler into the second reversed
configuration: [0063] abutting the blocking bar of the coupler on a
front abutment at a rear portion of the bracket.
[0064] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a
bracket for reversibly mounting an excavation bucket on a coupler
of an articulated arm, the bracket comprising: [0065] a body
extending in a plane and having a central portion; [0066] a first
concavity located on a first side of the body with respect to the
central portion, the first concavity substantially having an
arc-of-circle shape to receive and conform with a surface of a
hinge shaft of the coupler in a first one of two reversible
configurations and hinge therearound; [0067] a second concavity on
a second side of the body opposite the first side with respect to
the central portion, for receiving a blocking bar of the coupler in
the first one of two reversible configurations; [0068] a third
concavity on the second side of the body, the third concavity
substantially having the arc-of-circle shape for receiving the
hinge shaft of the coupler in a second one of the two reversible
configurations thus allowing reversible mounting on the coupler;
[0069] a first abutment edge formed by the central portion of the
body for receiving a stopper of the coupler in the first one of two
reversible configurations; and [0070] a second abutment edge aside
the first abutment edge and further from the central portion of the
body compared to the first abutment edge, for receiving the stopper
of the coupler in the second one of two reversible
configurations.
[0071] According to an embodiment, the first concavity ends with a
straight portion for receiving the blocking bar of the coupler in
the second one of the two reversible configurations.
[0072] According to an embodiment, the third concavity is located
above the second concavity on the second side of the body.
[0073] According to an embodiment, the first abutment edge and the
second abutment edge formed by the central portion of the body are
located between the first concavity and the third concavity.
[0074] According to an embodiment, the first abutment edge and the
second abutment edge together form a two-stair shape on the body of
the bracket to make the bracket adapted to receive the stopper of
the coupler in any one of two reversible configurations.
[0075] According to an embodiment, the first concavity and the
third concavity are each oriented to open outwardly from the
central portion of the body.
[0076] According to an embodiment, the first concavity is oriented
to open outwardly from the central portion of the body and the
third concavity is oriented to open inwardly with respect to the
central portion of the body.
[0077] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a bracket for mounting an excavation bucket on a coupler
of an articulated arm, the bracket comprising: [0078] a body
extending in a plane and having a central portion; [0079] a first
concavity on a first side of the body with respect to the central
portion, the first concavity substantially having an arc-of-circle
shape to conform with a surface of a hinge shaft of the coupler in
a first one of two reversible configurations and hinge therearound;
[0080] a second concavity on a second side of the body opposite the
first side with respect to the central portion, for receiving a
blocking bar of the coupler in the first one of two reversible
configurations; [0081] a third concavity on the second side of the
body, the third concavity substantially having the arc-of-circle
shape, for receiving the hinge shaft of the coupler in a second one
of the two reversible configurations thus allowing reversible
mounting on the coupler; and [0082] a fourth concavity on a first
side of the body opposite the first side with respect to the
central portion, for receiving a blocking bar of the coupler in the
second one of two reversible configurations.
[0083] According to an embodiment, the body comprises a hollow
central portion by the central portion of the body.
[0084] According to an embodiment, the fourth concavity is
substantially the same shape as the second concavity, mirrored in
the first side.
[0085] According to an embodiment, the second concavity is located
above the third concavity.
[0086] According to an embodiment, the first concavity is located
above the fourth concavity.
[0087] According to an embodiment, the hollow central portion is
substantially symmetrical.
[0088] According to an embodiment, the hollow central portion
comprises a recess and the recess is provided at a bottom
thereof.
[0089] According to an embodiment, the hollow central portion
comprises a first abutment edge and a second abutment edge on
either sides of the recess provided at the bottom of the hollow
central portion to make the bracket adapted to receive the a
stopper coupler in any one of two reversible configurations and
hold the stopper firmly by abutting on one of the first abutment
edge and the second abutment edge and being confined at a corner of
the stopper by the other one of the first abutment edge and the
second abutment edge.
[0090] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method for reversibly mounting an excavation bucket on a
coupler of an articulated arm, the method comprising: [0091]
providing a bracket comprising a body extending in a plane and
having a central portion; [0092] in a first configuration of the
coupler: [0093] inserting a hinge shaft of the coupler in a first
concavity on a first side of the body, the first concavity
substantially having an arc-of-circle shape to conform with a
surface of the hinge shaft and hinge therearound; [0094] inserting
a blocking bar of the coupler in a second concavity on a second
side of the body opposite the first side with respect to the
central portion; [0095] abutting a stopper of the coupler by the
central portion of the body of the bracket, and [0096] reversibly
mounting the bracket and the coupler by: [0097] removing the
bracket from the coupler [0098] inserting the hinge shaft of the
coupler in a third concavity on the second side of the body, the
third concavity substantially having the arc-of-circle shape;
[0099] abutting the blocking bar of the coupler in a second
concavity onto an edge of the first concavity; [0100] reversibly
abutting the stopper of the coupler by the central portion of the
body of the bracket.
[0101] According to an embodiment, the first concavity and the
third concavity are each oriented to open outwardly from the
central portion of the body.
[0102] According to an embodiment, the first concavity is oriented
to open outwardly from the central portion of the body and the
third concavity is oriented
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0103] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate a bucket 10' including a mounting
bracket 100', according to the prior art. A typical excavation
bucket 10' is shown is these figures. The mounting bracket 100',
shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, is secured on top of the bucket 10'. As shown
in FIGS. 3A-3D, the mounting bracket 100' is for cooperation with a
dedicated coupler 20 on an articulated arm, such as an articulated
arm found on a construction vehicle.
[0104] The coupler 20 is shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. The coupler 20 is
standard and can be used with the bracket according to the prior
art, or with the bucket according to the invention as described
below. The coupler comprises a body 25 which may comprise a pair of
parallel arms 25a, 25b, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A where the
body is formed by two parallel elongated plates (i.e., arms 25a,
25b) forming each side of the body 25. Each of these side arms 25a,
25b comprises a stopper 24, each stopper 24 protruding outwardly on
the sides of the coupler 20 (i.e., protruding toward the outside,
from the side arms of the body 25) and providing a surface or edge
for abutting onto a location on the bracket 100' and confine
movement. The cross-section of the stopper 24 can have a
rectangular or trapezoidal shape.
[0105] The body 25, with the pair of arms 25a, 25b, holds at one
end of the arms a cylinder acting as a shaft, namely the hinge
shaft 22, around which the bracket 100' can hinge. The hinge shaft
22 is cylindrical to provide rotatability around it. At a location
opposite the hinge shaft 22 with respect to a central portion of
the coupler 20 (i.e., at another end of the arms 25a, 25b), the
coupler comprises a blocking bar 26 which extends parallel to the
hinge shaft 22 and which contributes to securing the bracket to the
coupler 20, along with the hinge shaft 22 and the stopper 24.
[0106] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the prior art bracket 100',
provided in pair, comprises a body 110' which extends in a plane
and forms the solid base of one of the brackets 100' in the pair.
The body 110' is shaped such as it comprises a first concavity 120'
which is carved out from a side of the body in a concave fashion
(i.e., toward a central portion of the body 110') and which an
arc-of-circle shape conforms to a part of the cylindrical surface
of the hinge shaft 22, which has a cylinder shape. This shape makes
the first concavity 120' suitable to receive the hinge shaft 22 of
the coupler 20 and thereby act as a hinge shaft receiver.
[0107] A second concavity 140' is carved out from the body 110' at
a side thereof which is substantially opposite the first concavity
120' with respect to the central portion of the body 110'. The
second concavity 140' is concave toward the central portion of the
body 110'. It does not need to have an arc-of-circle or otherwise
rounded shape. However, the second concavity 140' needs to conform
with a portion of the surface of the blocking bar 26.
[0108] An abutment edge 130 is provided by the central portion,
where the body narrows down and offers a substantially flat edge on
which the stopper 24 of the coupler 20 can abut when the mounting
bracket is mounted on the coupler 20.
[0109] The mounting bracket 100' is thus sandwiched between the
hinge shaft 22, the blocking bar 26 and the stopper 24, and can
securely hinge by the hinge shaft 22 to perform scraping,
transportation and similar tasks. The bucket 10' of the prior art
can be used to scrape material such as soil, sand, gravel, etc.
However, the bucket 10' can only be installed on the articulated
arm in a single orientation. This single standard orientation is
provided by having the coupler 20 lock with the first concavity
120', the straight portion 142' of the second concavity 140', and
the first abutment edge 130'.
[0110] The mounting bracket 100' according to the prior art and the
coupler mounted together are used in a given configuration which
connects the bucket to the articulated arm in a single orientation.
There is now described below an embodiment which allows such a
mounting to be reversible to allow two opposite configurations of
the bucket on the articulated arm.
[0111] Now referring to FIGS. 5A-5D, there is shown a bucket 10
onto which there is secured a mounting bracket 100, according to an
embodiment of the invention, which can be reversibly mounted on the
coupler 20 to allow using the bucket 10 in two different
orientations with respect to the articulated arm. This ensures that
the bucket can be used in the most suitable orientation (e.g.,
upward or downward) for a given application. More particularly, as
will be understood below, the mounting bracket can allow the bucket
10 to be mounted in a standard orientation, as discussion above in
relation with the prior art, or in a reversed orientation. The
first or standard orientation is provided by having the coupler 20
lock with the first concavity 120, the straight portion 142 of the
second concavity 140, and the first abutment edge 130. The second
or reversed orientation is provided by having the coupler 20 lock
with the third concavity 150, the straight portion 122 of the first
concavity 120, and the second abutment edge 135.
[0112] The mounting bracket 100 according to a first embodiment of
the invention is shown in FIGS. 6A-6B. The mounting bracket 100
comprises all the features of the mounting bracket 100' of the
prior art. Therefore, the bracket 100 comprises a body 110 which
forms the solid base of the bracket 100. The body 110 is shaped
such as it comprises a first concavity 120 which is carved out from
a side of the body in a concave fashion (i.e., carved toward a
central portion of the body 110 such that it forms an outward
opening) and which has an arc-of-circle shape conforms to a part of
the cylindrical surface of the hinge shaft 22, which has a cylinder
shape. This shape makes the first concavity, having its opening
directed outwardly, suitable to receive the hinge shaft 22 of the
coupler 20 and thereby act as a hinge shaft receiver. Moreover, the
first concavity 120 comprises a portion 122 that conforms with a
portion of the surface of the blocking bar 26. According to an
embodiment, the portion 122 that conforms with a portion of the
surface of the blocking bar 26 is a straight portion within or at
the edge of the portion otherwise shaped as an arc of circle. In
the embodiment as shown in FIG. 6B, the arc-of-circle portion ends
with the straight portion 122. This straight portion 122 can be at
the upper edge of the portion shaped as an arc of circle, as shown
in FIGS. 6A-6B where the arc of circle ends with, or is continued
by, the straight portion. This straight portion has an angle that
conforms with the surface of the blocking bar 26. Notably, it forms
an angle that corresponds with an angle of the trapeze
cross-section 27 of the blocking bar 26.
[0113] A second concavity 140 is carved out from the body 110 at a
side thereof which is substantially opposite the first concavity
120 with respect to the central portion of the body 110. The second
concavity 140 is concave toward the central portion of the body
110. It does not need to have an arc-of-circle or otherwise rounded
shape. The second concavity 140 needs to grossly conform with a
portion of the surface of the blocking bar 26. Moreover, the second
concavity 140 comprises a portion 142 that conforms with a portion
of the surface of the blocking bar 26. According to an embodiment,
the portion 142 that conforms with a portion of the surface of the
blocking bar 26 is a straight portion, similar to that of the first
concavity 210, and as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B where the second
concavity 140 comprises a straight portion 142. This straight
portion has an angle that conforms with the surface of the blocking
bar 26. Notably, it forms an angle that corresponds with an angle
of the trapeze cross-section 27 of the blocking bar 26.
[0114] A first abutment edge 130 is provided by the central
portion, where the body narrows down and offers a substantially
flat edge on which the stopper 24 of the coupler 20 can abut when
the mounting bracket is mounted on the coupler 20.
[0115] Moreover, and in addition to the prior art bracket 100', the
bracket 100 comprises a second abutment edge 135. The second
abutment edge 135 is shaped similarly as the first abutment edge
130 and is located at a position which is close to the first
abutment edge 130. Both should be substantially parallel. The
second abutment edge 135 is located at a different level compared
to the first abutment edge 130, such as forming two steps.
According to an embodiment, the second abutment edge 135 is located
aside the first abutment edge 130 and further from the central
portion of the body 110, thus forming the two-step stair. The
second abutment edge 135 is suited to receive the stopper 24 of the
coupler 20. More precisely, while the first abutment edge 130 is
adapted to receive a first edge of the stopper 24, the second
abutment edge 135 it adapted to receive a second edge of the
stopper 24 which is located opposite the first edge of the stopper
with respect to a central portion of the stopper 24. This two-stair
shape on the body 110 of the bracket 100 makes the bracket 100
adapted to receive the coupler 20 in the standard orientation, as
shown in FIGS. 3A and 7A, and further adapted to receive the
coupler 20 in an orientation opposite the standard orientation, as
shown in FIG. 8A.
[0116] Moreover, and in addition to the prior art bracket 100', the
bracket 100 comprises a third concavity 150. The third concavity
150 should be of a shape substantially similar to the first
concavity 120, or to the prior art first concavity 120' since the
straight portion at an angle adapted for receiving the blocking bar
26 is not required for the third concavity 150. The third concavity
150 should be located approximately opposite the first concavity
120 with respect to the first concavity 120, and thus be located
very close to the second concavity 140. According to an embodiment,
the third concavity should be provided above the second concavity
if the first abutment edge 130 and the second abutment edge 135 are
also located above the central portion of the body 110, as shown in
FIGS. 6A-6B.
[0117] By having a shape substantially similar to the first
concavity 120, with an arc-of-circle shape conforms to a part of
the cylindrical surface of the hinge shaft 22, the third concavity
150 can conform to a part of the cylindrical surface of the hinge
shaft 22, which has a cylinder shape. This shape makes the third
concavity suitable to receive the hinge shaft 22 of the coupler 20
and thereby act as a hinge shaft receiver, as for the first
concavity 120.
[0118] In addition to the second abutment edge 135 discussed above,
this third concavity 150 makes the bracket 100 adapted to receive
the coupler 20 in the standard orientation, as shown in FIGS. 3A
and 7A, and further adapted to receive the coupler 20 in an
orientation opposite the standard orientation, as shown in FIG.
8A.
[0119] The orientation opposite the standard orientation implies
that the first concavity 120 receives the blocking bar 26, around
which the bracket 100 does not hinge, contrarily to the hinge shaft
22. As discussed above, the first concavity 120 comprises a
straight portion at an angle adapted for receiving the blocking bar
26.
[0120] This therefore makes the mounting bracket 100 adapted for
reversible mounting orientation, in addition to the standard
mounting orientation achieved in the prior art. Unlike the prior
art bracket 100', for which only one standard orientation was
possible with respect to the coupler 20 on the articulated arm, the
mounting bracket 100 allows two different and opposite orientations
as shown in FIGS. 7A and 8A. The first or standard orientation is
provided by having the coupler 20 lock with the first concavity
120, the straight portion 142 of the second concavity 140, and the
first abutment edge 130, which respectively cooperate with the
hinge shaft 22, with the blocking bar 26, and with the stopper 24.
The second or reversed orientation is provided by having the
coupler 20 lock with the third concavity 150, the straight portion
122 of the first concavity 120, and the second abutment edge 135,
which also respectively cooperate with the hinge shaft 22, with the
blocking bar 26, and with the stopper 24. If a different
orientation is required for scraping with the bucket or for a
specific application using the bucket, the mounting bracket 100 can
provide the required adaptability.
[0121] Now referring to FIGS. 9A-9F, there is shown another
embodiment of a bracket 200. FIGS. 9A-9D show how the mounting
bracket 200 can be arranged in two different positions with the
coupler 20; FIG. 9E identifies clearly all parts of the mounting
bracket 200, and FIG. 9F show that the mounting bracket 200 is
normally provided in pair of parallel brackets.
[0122] The mounting bracket 200 comprises all the features of the
mounting bracket 100' of the prior art. Therefore, the bracket 200
comprises a body 210 which forms the solid base of the bracket 100.
The body 210 is shaped such as it comprises a first concavity 220
which is carved out from a side of the body in a concave fashion
(i.e., carved toward a central portion of the body 210 such that it
forms an outward opening) and which has an arc-of-circle shape
conforms to a part of the cylindrical surface of the hinge shaft
22, which has a cylinder shape. This shape makes the first
concavity, having its opening directed outwardly, suitable to
receive the hinge shaft 22 of the coupler 20 and thereby act as a
hinge shaft receiver.
[0123] Away from, the first concavity 220, the mounting bracket 200
comprises a fourth concavity 224 with a portion 222 that conforms
with a portion of the surface of the blocking bar 26. The fourth
concavity 224 does not need to have an arc-of-circle or otherwise
rounded shape. The fourth concavity 224 needs to grossly conform
with a portion of the surface of the blocking bar 26. According to
an embodiment, the portion 222 that conforms with a portion of the
surface of the blocking bar 26 is a straight portion within or at
the edge of the fourth concavity 224. This straight portion has an
angle that conforms with the surface of the blocking bar 26.
Notably, it forms an angle that corresponds with an angle of the
trapeze cross-section 27 of the blocking bar 26.
[0124] A second concavity 240 is carved out from the body 210 at a
side thereof which is substantially opposite the first concavity
220 with respect to the central portion of the body 210. The second
concavity 240 is concave, with the concavity directed toward the
central portion of the body 210, and the opening thereof being thus
directed outwardly. It does not need to have an arc-of-circle or
otherwise rounded shape. The second concavity 240 needs to grossly
conform with a portion of the surface of the blocking bar 26.
Moreover, the second concavity 240 comprises a portion 242 that
conforms with a portion of the surface of the blocking bar 26.
According to an embodiment, the portion 242 that conforms with a
portion of the surface of the blocking bar 26 is a straight
portion, similar to the portion 222 of the fourth concavity 224,
and as shown in FIG. 9E where the second concavity 240 comprises a
straight portion 242. This straight portion has an angle that
conforms with the surface of the blocking bar 26. Notably, it forms
an angle that corresponds with an angle of the trapeze
cross-section 27 of the blocking bar 26.
[0125] A first abutment edge 230 is provided by the central
portion, where the body narrows down and offers a substantially
flat edge on which the stopper 24 of the coupler 20 can abut when
the mounting bracket is mounted on the coupler 20. The first
abutment edge is provided in a hollow central portion 231 provided
between the first and third concavities; this hollow central
portion 231 is substantially symmetrical from a center thereof
where a recess 238 is provided in the bottom of the hollow central
portion 231. The hollow central portion 231 is for sticking the
stopper 24 tightly thereinto, and holding it firmly in place, when
the bracket 200 is mounted on the coupler 20 in any of the two
orientations.
[0126] Moreover, and in addition to the prior art bracket 100', the
bracket 200 comprises a second abutment edge 235. The second
abutment edge 235 is shaped similarly as the first abutment edge
230 and is located at a position which is close to the first
abutment edge 230, opposite the central portion of the body 210,
where the small recess 238 is provided. Both abutment edges should
be substantially provided symmetrically, in mirror, about the
recess 238 which is centrally located between the concavities 220,
224 on one side, and the concavities 250, 240 on the other side.
The second abutment edge 235 is located at an angle with respect to
the longitudinal or horizontal axis of the mounting bracket 200,
and the first abutment edge 230 is also provided with a similar
angle but mirrored from the center of the body 210, such as forming
two facing slopes with the small recess 238 in the middle. The
second abutment edge 235 is suited to receive the stopper 24 of the
coupler 20. More precisely, while the first abutment edge 230 is
adapted to receive a first edge of the stopper 24, the second
abutment edge 235 it adapted to receive a second edge of the
stopper 24 which is located opposite the first edge of the stopper
with respect to a central portion of the stopper 24 (i.e., the
recess 238). The recess 238, or a portion close thereto, further
receives another corner of the stopper 24 and thus aids in blocking
the coupler 20 and the bracket 200 altogether. This facing
dual-slope shape on the body 210 of the bracket 200 makes the
bracket 200 adapted to receive the coupler 20 in the standard
orientation, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, and further adapted to
receive the coupler 20 in an orientation opposite the standard
orientation, as shown in FIGS. 9C-9D.
[0127] Moreover, and in addition to the prior art bracket 100', the
bracket 200 comprises a third concavity 250. The third concavity
250 should be of a shape substantially similar to the first
concavity 220, since the straight portion at an angle adapted for
receiving the blocking bar 26 is not required for the third
concavity 250. The third concavity 250 should be located
approximately opposite the first concavity 220 on the mounting
bracket 200, and thus be located very close to the second concavity
240. According to an embodiment, the third concavity should be
provided above the second concavity 240 if the first abutment edge
230 and the second abutment edge 235 are also located above the
central portion of the body 210, as shown in FIG. 9E.
[0128] By having a shape substantially similar to the first
concavity 220, with an arc-of-circle shape conforms to a part of
the cylindrical surface of the hinge shaft 22, the third concavity
250 can conform to a part of the cylindrical surface of the hinge
shaft 22, which has a cylinder shape. This shape makes the third
concavity suitable to receive the hinge shaft 22 of the coupler 20
and thereby act as a hinge shaft receiver, as for the first
concavity 220.
[0129] In addition to the second abutment edge 235 discussed above,
this third concavity 250 makes the bracket 200 adapted to receive
the coupler 20 in the standard orientation, as shown in FIGS.
9A-9B, and further adapted to receive the coupler 20 in an
orientation opposite the standard orientation, as shown in FIGS.
9C-9D.
[0130] The orientation opposite the standard orientation implies
that the first concavity 220 receives the blocking bar 26, around
which the bracket 200 does not hinge, contrarily to the hinge shaft
22. As discussed above, the fourth concavity 224 comprises a
straight portion 222 at an angle adapted for receiving the blocking
bar 26.
[0131] This therefore makes the mounting bracket 200 adapted for
reversible mounting orientation, in addition to the standard
mounting orientation achieved in the prior art. Unlike the prior
art bracket 100', for which only one standard orientation was
possible with respect to the coupler 20 on the articulated arm, the
mounting bracket 200 allows two different and opposite orientations
as shown in FIGS. 97A-9B and 9C-9D. The first or standard
orientation is provided by having the coupler 20 lock with the
first concavity 220, the straight portion 242 of the second
concavity 240, and the first abutment edge 230, which respectively
cooperate with the hinge shaft 22, with the blocking bar 26, and
with the stopper 24. The second or reversed orientation is provided
by having the coupler 20 lock with the third concavity 250, the
straight portion 222 of the first concavity 220, and the second
abutment edge 235, which also respectively cooperate with the hinge
shaft 22, with the blocking bar 26, and with the stopper 24. If a
different orientation is required for scraping with the bucket or
for a specific application using the bucket, the mounting bracket
200 can provide the required adaptability.
[0132] The embodiment of the mounting bracket 200 is further
advantageous, in comparison with the first embodiment of the
mounting bracket 100, in that when the stopper 24 generally abuts
on the first abutment edge 230, it is further held in place by
having another otherwise non-abutting corner thereof being stuck in
place tightly by the second abutting edge 235. Similarly, when the
stopper 24 generally abuts on the second abutment edge 235, it is
further held in place tightly by having another otherwise
non-abutting corner thereof being stuck in place by the first
abutting edge 230. The mounting bracket 200 and the coupler 20 are
therefore held in place particularly firmly, which is more secure
overall.
[0133] Now referring to FIGS. 10A-10F, there is shown another
embodiment of a bracket 300. FIGS. 10A-10D show how the mounting
bracket 300 can be arranged in two different positions with the
coupler 20; FIG. 10E identifies clearly all parts of the mounting
bracket 300, and FIG. 10F show that the mounting bracket 200 is
normally provided in pair of parallel brackets.
[0134] The mounting bracket 300 is similar to the mounting bracket
100 described above. The bracket 300 comprises a body 310 which
forms the solid base of the bracket 300. The body 310 is shaped
such as it comprises a first concavity 320 which is carved out from
a side of the body in a concave fashion (i.e., carved from the
outside toward a central portion of the body 310 such that the
first concavity 320 forms an opening that is directed outwardly)
and which an arc-of-circle shape conforms to a part of the
cylindrical surface of the hinge shaft 22, which has a cylinder
shape. This shape makes the first concavity suitable to receive the
hinge shaft 22 of the coupler 20 and thereby act as a hinge shaft
receiver. Moreover, the first concavity 320 comprises a portion 322
that conforms with a portion of the surface of the blocking bar 26.
According to an embodiment, the portion 322 that conforms with a
portion of the surface of the blocking bar 26 is a straight portion
within or at the edge of the portion otherwise shaped as an arc of
circle. In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 10E, the arc-of-circle
portion ends with the straight portion 322. This straight portion
322 can be at the upper edge of the portion shaped as an arc of
circle, where the arc of circle ends with, or is continued by, the
straight portion. This straight portion has an angle that conforms
with the surface of the blocking bar 26. Notably, it forms an angle
that corresponds with an angle of the trapeze cross-section 27 of
the blocking bar 26.
[0135] A second concavity 340 is carved out from the body 310 at a
side thereof which is substantially opposite the first concavity
320 with respect to the central portion of the body 310. The second
concavity 340 is concave toward the central portion of the body
310. It does not need to have an arc-of-circle or otherwise rounded
shape. The second concavity 340 needs to grossly conform with a
portion of the surface of the blocking bar 26. Moreover, the second
concavity 340 comprises a portion 342 that conforms with a portion
of the surface of the blocking bar 26. According to an embodiment,
the portion 342 that conforms with a portion of the surface of the
blocking bar 26 is a straight portion, similar to that of the first
concavity 310, and as shown in FIG. 10E where the second concavity
340 comprises a straight portion 342. This straight portion has an
angle that conforms with the surface of the blocking bar 26.
Notably, it forms an angle that corresponds with an angle of the
trapeze cross-section 27 of the blocking bar 26.
[0136] A first abutment edge 330 is provided by the central
portion, where the body narrows down and offers a substantially
flat edge on which the stopper 24 of the coupler 20 can abut when
the mounting bracket is mounted on the coupler 20.
[0137] Moreover, and in addition to the prior art bracket 100', the
bracket 300 comprises a second abutment edge 335. The second
abutment edge 335 is shaped similarly as the first abutment edge
330 and is located at a position which is close to the first
abutment edge 330. Both should be substantially parallel. The
second abutment edge 335 is located at a different level compared
to the first abutment edge 330, such as forming two steps.
According to an embodiment, the second abutment edge 335 is located
aside the first abutment edge 330 and further from the central
portion of the body 310, thus forming the two-step stair. The
second abutment edge 335 is suited to receive the stopper 24 of the
coupler 20. More precisely, while the first abutment edge 330 is
adapted to receive a first edge of the stopper 24, the second
abutment edge 335 it adapted to receive a second edge of the
stopper 24 which is located opposite the first edge of the stopper
with respect to a central portion of the stopper 24. This two-stair
shape on the body 310 of the bracket 300 makes the bracket 300
adapted to receive the coupler 20 in the standard orientation, as
shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, and further adapted to receive the coupler
20 in an orientation opposite the standard orientation, as shown in
FIGS. 10C-10D.
[0138] Moreover, and in addition to the prior art bracket 100', the
bracket 300 comprises a third concavity 350. The third concavity
350 should be of a shape substantially similar to the first
concavity 320, or to the prior art first concavity 120' since the
straight portion at an angle adapted for receiving the blocking bar
26 is not required for the third concavity 150. The third concavity
350 should be located approximately opposite the first concavity
320 with respect to the first concavity 320, and thus be located
very close to the second concavity 340. According to an embodiment,
the third concavity should be provided above the second concavity
if the first abutment edge 330 and the second abutment edge 335 are
also located above the central portion of the body 310, as shown in
FIG. 10E.
[0139] By having a shape substantially similar to the first
concavity 320, with an arc-of-circle shape conforms to a part of
the cylindrical surface of the hinge shaft 22, the third concavity
350 can conform to a part of the cylindrical surface of the hinge
shaft 22, which has a cylinder shape. This shape makes the third
concavity 350 suitable to receive the hinge shaft 22 of the coupler
20 and thereby act as a hinge shaft receiver, as for the first
concavity 320.
[0140] Contrarily to the first embodiment of the mounting bracket
100 where the third concavity 150 had an opening that was oriented
outwardly, away from the central portion of the body 110, the third
concavity 350 of the mounting bracket 300 has an opening directed
inwardly, toward the first concavity 320. The orientation of both
the third concavity 350 and the first concavity 320 are therefore
very similar. The third concavity 350 of the mounting bracket 300
is therefore mirrored when compared to the third concavity 150 of
the mounting bracket 100 (and this is the only element being
mirrored since all other elements are arranged the same way as the
first embodiment of the mounting bracket 100).
[0141] In addition to the second abutment edge 335 discussed above,
this third concavity 350 makes the bracket 300 adapted to receive
the coupler 20 in the standard orientation, as shown in FIGS.
10A-10B, and further adapted to receive the coupler 20 in an
orientation opposite the standard orientation, as shown in FIG.
10C-10D.
[0142] The orientation opposite the standard orientation implies
that the first concavity 320 receives the blocking bar 26, around
which the bracket 300 does not hinge, contrarily to the hinge shaft
22. As discussed above, the first concavity 320 comprises a
straight portion at an angle adapted for receiving the blocking bar
26.
[0143] This therefore makes the mounting bracket 300 adapted for
reversible mounting orientation, in addition to the standard
mounting orientation achieved in the prior art. Unlike the prior
art bracket 100', for which only one standard orientation was
possible with respect to the coupler 20 on the articulated arm, the
mounting bracket 300 allows two different and opposite orientations
as shown in FIGS. 10A-10B and 10C-10D. The first or standard
orientation is provided by having the coupler 20 lock with the
first concavity 320, the straight portion 342 of the second
concavity 340, and the first abutment edge 330, which respectively
cooperate with the hinge shaft 22, with the blocking bar 26, and
with the stopper 24. The second or reversed orientation is provided
by having the coupler 20 lock with the third concavity 350, the
straight portion 322 of the first concavity 320, and the second
abutment edge 335, which also respectively cooperate with the hinge
shaft 22, with the blocking bar 26, and with the stopper 24. If a
different orientation is required for scraping with the bucket or
for a specific application using the bucket, the mounting bracket
300 can provide the required adaptability.
[0144] Combinations between the second and third embodiments can
also be contemplated, such that the third concavity 250 of the
mounting bracket 200 can be mirrored in a way similar to the third
concavity 350 of the mounting bracket 300, thus being open inwardly
instead of outwardly.
[0145] Reference is now made to another embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 11A-15C.
[0146] This other embodiment comprises a bucket assembly 1111,
where a bucket 10, as shown for example in FIG. 11A, is assembled
with a bracket 1100 according to another embodiment.
[0147] The coupler 1120 is shown in FIGS. 14A-14C and also in FIGS.
15A-15C, and is different from the coupler 20 described in
reference with the previous embodiment (that coupler 20 being
standard as already described above). The coupler 1120 is shown in
FIGS. 14A-14C and also in FIGS. 15A-15C in a bucket assembly 1111
with the bucket 10 according to the invention as described below.
The coupler 1120 comprises a body 1125 which may comprise a pair of
parallel arms 1125a, 1125b (on the right side and left side), for
example, as shown in FIG. 14A where the body is formed by two
parallel elongated plates (i.e., arms 1125a, 1125b) forming each
side (right and left) or flanges of the body 1125.
[0148] Each of these side arms 1125a, 1125b comprises stoppers
1122a in the rear on either side (right and left) and stoppers
1122b in the front of the coupler 1120 on either side thereof
(right and left). Each stopper 1122a, 1122b protrudes outwardly on
the sides of the coupler 1120 (i.e., protruding toward the outside,
from the side arms of the body 1125) and provides a curved surface
or edge for abutting onto a corresponding curved location on the
bracket 1100 having a complementary shape and to block or confine
movement. Contrarily to the coupler 20 described above in reference
to a previous embodiment, the cross-section of the stopper 1122a,
1122b has a circular shape to fit in a corresponding concavity of
corresponding radius of curvature (i.e., about the same radius of
curvature, plus a mechanical tolerance for fitting).
[0149] Corresponding right and left stoppers 1122a at the rear have
a rear linking rod or hinge shaft 1124a in-between which holds the
side arms 1125a, 1125b together and links the right and left
stoppers 1122a at the rear of the coupler 1120. Similarly,
corresponding right and left stoppers 1122b at the front have a
linking rod or hinge shaft 1124b in-between which also holds the
side arms 1125a, 1125b together and links the right and left
stoppers 1122b at the front of the coupler 1120.
[0150] The hinge shaft 1124a or 1124b is a cylinder around which
the bracket 10 can hinge. The hinge shafts 1124a and 1124b are
cylindrical to provide rotatability around any one of them. At a
rear of the coupler 1120 with respect to a central portion of the
coupler 1120 (i.e., opposite the rear stoppers 1122b), the coupler
comprises a blocking bar 1130 which extends parallel to both shafts
1124a and 1124b (which are also parallel) and which contribute to
securing the bracket 10 to the coupler 1120, along with the hinge
shafts 1124a and 1124b and the pairs of opposed stoppers 1122a,
1122b.
[0151] Circular cavities described further below in relation with
FIGS. 11A-21C are made to fit with the circular stoppers 1122a,
1122b of the coupler 1120 (or alternatively with a surface of a
hinge shaft of the coupler).
[0152] Now referring to FIGS. 11A-12D, there is shown a bucket 10
onto which there is secured a mounting bracket 1100, forming a
bucket assembly 1111.
[0153] FIG. 13B identifies all parts of the mounting bracket 1100,
and FIG. 13A shows that the mounting bracket 1100 is normally
provided in pair of identical parallel brackets. The coupling with
the coupler 1120 described above is shown in FIGS. 15A-15C. The
mounting bracket 1100 and the coupler 1120 mounted together are
used in a given configuration which connects the bucket 10 to the
articulated arm in a single orientation.
[0154] The single, standard orientation (configuration of FIGS.
11A-12D or FIGS. 15A-15C) is provided by having the stoppers 1122a,
1122b of the hinge shafts of the coupler 1120 lock with the rear
upward cavity 1114 and the front frontward cavity 118, and the
blocking bar 1130 lock with the abutment 1116, as described
below.
[0155] As well shown in FIG. 13B, the bracket 1100 comprises a body
1399 which forms the solid base of the bracket 1100. The body 1399
is shaped such that it comprises at the rear: a rear upward
concavity 1114, formed in a rear portion (which can be a protrusion
at a rear protruding upwardly), and a front frontward concavity
1118, formed between a front arm 1372 protruding forwardly and a
downward arm 1376 protruding substantially downwardly and having a
base 1374.
[0156] To achieve the standard configuration, the rear upward
cavity 1114 is paired with the front frontward cavity 118 to
receive corresponding hinge shafts 1124a, 1124b, respectively, and
they are distant with the same distance as between the hinge shafts
1124a, 1124b of the coupler 1120, as shown in FIG. 15A. The
cavities have an arc-of-circle shape that conforms to a part of the
cylindrical surface of this hinge shaft 1124a or 1124b (which have
a cylinder shape).
[0157] Still to achieve this standard configuration (and referring
to FIGS. 13B, 15A, 15C): away from the front frontward cavity 118,
at the rear of the mounting bracket 1100, the body is shaped to
form an abutment 1116 formed below the rear upward arm 1352, that
conforms with a portion of the surface of the blocking bar 1130.
The abutment 1116 needs to grossly conform with a portion of the
surface of the blocking bar 1130. A spur 1388 may further define a
concavity comprising the abutment 1616 and also conform at the
bottom of the spur 1388 with the bucket 10.
[0158] To ensure that the coupler 1120 is snuggly or firmly held by
the mounting bracket 1100 in the standard configuration, the
centroid of the body 1399 forming the mounting bracket 1100 should
be found approximately between the front frontward cavity 118 and
the abutment 1116 (which are opposed to each other with respect to
said centroid). The reference number 1399 of the body is
approximately located at a centroid in FIG. 13B.
[0159] According to an embodiment, the body also comprises a notch
1380 formed by the downward arm 1376 that conforms to an edge 1108
of the bucket 10 to be assembled with the mounting bracket 1100, as
shown in FIG. 11A or 12A. A bottom edge 1386 and bottom corners
1382, 1384 further contribute to fitting the bottom of the mounting
bracket 1120 with the edge 1108 of the bucket 10.
[0160] The embodiment of the mounting bracket 1120 is advantageous
in that there are three points of contact which ensure that the
mounting bracket 1100 and the coupler 1120 can lock together when
configured so. The mounting bracket 1100 and the coupler 1120 are
therefore held in place particularly firmly, which is more secure
overall.
[0161] Now referring to FIGS. 16A-21C, there is shown another
embodiment of a bracket 1610. FIGS. 17A-17D or FIGS. 20A-20C (first
configuration), compared to FIGS. 18A-18D or FIGS. 21A-21C (second,
reversed configuration) show how the mounting bracket 1610 can be
arranged in two different positions with the coupler 1120. This
other embodiment comprises a bucket assembly 1611, where a bucket
10 is assembled with a bracket 1610 according to another
embodiment.
[0162] FIG. 19B identifies all parts of the mounting bracket 1610,
and FIG. 19A shows that the mounting bracket 1610 is normally
provided in pair of identical parallel brackets.
[0163] According to an embodiment of the invention, the mounting
bracket 1610 can be reversibly mounted on the coupler 1120 to allow
using the bucket 10 in two different orientations with respect to
the articulated arm (i.e., reversible to allow two opposite
configurations of the bucket on the articulated arm). This ensures
that the bucket can be used in the most suitable orientation (e.g.,
upward or downward) for a given application. More particularly, as
will be understood below, the mounting bracket can allow the bucket
10 to be mounted in a standard orientation, as discussion above in
relation with the prior art, or in a reversed orientation. The
first or standard orientation (first configuration of FIGS. 17A-17D
or FIGS. 20A-20C) is provided by having the coupler 1120 lock with
the rearward pair of cavities 1904 and 1908. The second or reversed
orientation (second configuration of FIGS. 18A-18D or FIGS.
21A-21C) is provided by having the coupler 1120 lock with the
frontward pair of cavities 1905 and 1909.
[0164] As well shown in FIG. 19B, the bracket 1610 comprises a body
1699 which forms the solid base of the bracket 1610. The body 1699
is shaped such that it comprises at the rear: a first rearward
concavity 1904 (the most rearward one), formed in a rear portion
(which can be an arm and having its concavity oriented toward the
front), and a second rearward concavity 1905 (which is frontward
compared to the first rearward concavity 1904), formed in the body
1699 closer to the centroid and having its concavity oriented
upwardly; and at the front: a first frontward concavity 1908 (the
most rearward one at the front), formed in the body 1699 closer to
the centroid and having its concavity oriented upwardly, and a
second frontward concavity 1909 (which is frontward compared to the
first frontward concavity 1908 and also the most frontward of all),
formed in a front portion (which can be an arm and having its
concavity oriented toward the rear).
[0165] More specifically, the body 1699 is shaped such that it
comprises the first rearward concavity 1904 which is carved out
from a peripheric rear portion of the body in a concave fashion
(i.e., carved rearwardly toward a periphery of the body 1699 such
that it forms a frontward opening) and which has an arc-of-circle
shape that conforms to a part of the cylindrical surface of the
front hinge shaft 1124b in reverse configuration, which has a
cylinder shape. This shape makes the first rearward concavity,
having its opening directed frontwardly, suitable to receive the
hinge shaft 1124b of the coupler 1120 and thereby act as a hinge
shaft receiver, as well shown in FIG. 21A (reverse configuration).
Similarly, the second frontward concavity 1909 is carved out from a
peripheric front portion of the body in a concave fashion (i.e.,
carved rearwardly toward a periphery of the body 1699 such that it
forms a rearward opening) and which has an arc-of-circle shape that
conforms to a part of the cylindrical surface of the same front
hinge shaft 1124b (which has a cylinder shape), but in standard
configuration. This shape makes the first rearward concavity,
having its opening directed rearwardly, suitable to receive the
hinge shaft 1124b of the coupler 1120 and thereby act as a hinge
shaft receiver, as well shown in FIG. 20A (standard
configuration).
[0166] To achieve the reverse configuration, the first rearward
concavity 1904 pairs with the first frontward concavity 1908 shown
in FIG. 19B, and they are distant with the same distance as between
the hinge shafts 1124a, 1124b of the coupler 1120, as shown in FIG.
21A. The first frontward concavity 1908 receives the other hinge
shaft 1124a and has an arc-of-circle shape that conforms to a part
of the cylindrical surface of this hinge shaft 1124a (which has a
cylinder shape).
[0167] Still to achieve this reverse configuration (and referring
to FIGS. 18D, 21A, 21C): away from the first rearward concavity
1904, at the front of the mounting bracket 1610, the body is shaped
to form an abutment 1678 that conforms with a portion of the
surface of the blocking bar 1130. The abutment 1678 needs to
grossly conform with a portion of the surface of the blocking bar
1130. It can be formed by having an upward front arm 1672 with an
arm base 1674 protrude frontwardly in front of the body 1699 of the
mounting bracket 1610. It can be the same arm 1672 within which the
second frontward concavity 1909 is carved (i.e., the peripheric
front portion of the body).
[0168] To achieve the standard configuration, the second frontward
concavity 1909 pairs with the second rearward concavity 1905 shown
in FIG. 19B, and they are distant with the same distance as between
the hinge shafts 1124a, 1124b of the coupler 1120, as shown in FIG.
21A. The second rearward concavity 1905 receives the other hinge
shaft 1124a and has an arc-of-circle shape that conforms to a part
of the cylindrical surface of this hinge shaft 1124a (which has a
cylinder shape).
[0169] Still to achieve this standard configuration (and referring
to FIGS. 18A, 20A, 20C): away from the second frontward concavity
1909, at the rear of the mounting bracket 1610, the body is shaped
to form an abutment 1616 that conforms with a portion of the
surface of the blocking bar 1130. The abutment 1616 needs to
grossly conform with a portion of the surface of the blocking bar
1130. It can be formed by having an upward rearward arm 1652 with a
base 1652 protrude rearwardly in the rear of the body 1699 of the
mounting bracket 1610. It can be the same arm 1654 within which the
first rearward concavity 1904 is carved (i.e., the peripheric rear
portion of the body). A spur 1688 may further define a concavity
comprising the abutment 1616.
[0170] To ensure that the coupler 1120 is snuggly or firmly held by
the mounting bracket 1610 in both configurations, the centroid of
the body 1699 forming the mounting bracket 1610 should be found
approximately between the second frontward concavity 1909 and the
abutment 1616 (which are opposed to each other with respect to said
centroid), and approximately between the first rearward concavity
1904 and the abutment 1678 (which are also opposed to each other
with respect to said centroid). The reference number 1699 of the
body is approximately located at a centroid in FIG. 19B.
[0171] The first rearward concavity 1904 and the first frontward
concavity 1908 are paired together (first or more forward pair) to
receive the two different hinge shafts (1124b and 1124a,
respectively) simultaneously in the reverse configuration. The
second rearward concavity 1905 and the second frontward concavity
1909 are paired together (second or more rearward pair) to receive
the two different hinge shafts (1124a and 1124b, respectively)
simultaneously in the standard configuration.
[0172] Accordingly, the first rearward concavity 1904 and the
second frontward concavity 1909 should have the same radius of
curvature as they receive the same hinge shaft 1124b alternately,
and the second rearward concavity 1905 and the first frontward
concavity 1908 should have the same radius of curvature as they
receive the same hinge shaft 1124a alternately. Both pairs of
concavities and hinge shafts are likely to have the same radius of
curvature, although they may differ since each concavity receives
only a single one of the hinge shafts 1124a, 1124b. According to an
embodiment, the first and the second rearward concavities 1904,
1905 (or first set of adjacent concavities 1614) have the same
radius of curvature but the geometrical center of said curvature is
offset such that both arcs of circle are distinct; the spacing
between them is small than the diameter corresponding to said
arc-of-circle or radius of curvature, such that the first and the
second rearward concavities 1904, 1905 touch themselves and are
joined at this point by a rear apex 1921, as shown in FIG. 19B.
Similarly, the first and the second frontward concavities 1908,
1909 (or second set of adjacent concavities 1618) touch themselves
and are joined at this point by a front apex 1922.
[0173] Upwardly, between the sets of adjacent concavities (1614,
1618), there are found opposed inclined edges 1662, 1664, shown in
FIGS. 19A-19B, which are inclined downwardly away from a center
having a central apex 1660.
[0174] According to an embodiment, the body comprises a notch 1686
that conforms to a corresponding notch in the bucket 10 to be
assembled with the mounting bracket 1610.
[0175] According to an embodiment, the body also comprises a notch
1680 formed by a rearwardly protruding arm 1676 that conforms to an
edge 1608 of the bucket 10 to be assembled with the mounting
bracket 1610, as shown in FIG. 16A, 17A or 18A.
[0176] This shape of the body 1699 of the mounting bracket 1610
combined to the coupler 1120 therefore makes the mounting bracket
1610 adapted for reversible mounting orientation, in addition to
the standard mounting orientation achieved in the prior art. Unlike
the prior art bracket 100', for which only one standard orientation
was possible with respect to the coupler 20 on the articulated arm,
the mounting bracket 1610 allows two different and opposite
orientations. If a different orientation is required for scraping
with the bucket or for a specific application using the bucket, the
mounting bracket 1610 can provide the required adaptability.
[0177] The embodiment of the mounting bracket 1610 is advantageous
in that whether in standard or in reverse configuration, there are
three points of contact which ensure that the mounting bracket 1610
and the coupler 1120 can lock together when configured so. The
mounting bracket 1610 and the coupler 1120 are therefore held in
place particularly firmly, which is more secure overall.
[0178] While preferred embodiments have been described above and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to
those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without
departing from this disclosure. Such modifications are considered
as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *